Better catalysts may help efficiently store renewable energy

Electrocatalysts drive a chemical reaction that converts electricity into chemical energy by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen fuels. Storing energy in chemical bonds (rather than as electricity) is one potential method for storing energy from renewable sources until it is needed. The catalysts typically are made from rare and expensive (and toxic) materials, but two chemists at U. Calgary have shown good results using metal oxide catalysts — including, for example, iron oxide (aka rust).Discovery opens door to efficiently storing and reusing renewable energy.